COMMUNITY: Style and Substance Exist with Philadelphia’s Most Prestigious Gala, The Ball on The Square

June 19, 2012 ,
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Purple Event Lighting Crystal Centerpieces Bling Candlestick holders purple flowers gala design

Time sure does ZOOM by when you’re busy planning parties and we’ve had some biggies this year already!  Hard to believe it’s time for Ball on The Square, one of the most prestigious non-profit gala events in Philadelphia. As there is always much to do for this spectacular evening, our design team has already begun the installation of tents, air-conditioning, staging, sound and lighting. But instead of focusing on the long hours and detailed production in progress, let’s take a quick look at last year’s glamorous Ball on The Square for inspiration. {Photos: Marie Labbancz}

Undoubtedly, the Ball on The Square is one of the most prestigious social events in Philadelphia due to its incredible mission, loyal membership and desirable location. A floating green oasis in an otherwise urban jungle, the gala takes place in Rittenhouse Square Park, the city’s most popular greenspace next to Fairmont Park. Rittenhouse Square is certainly beloved by the residents and businesses that surround it, most of whom are members of the Friends of Rittenhouse Square, a dedicated non-profit organization that hosts the Ball every year. The Friends rely on the proceeds of the annual Ball on The Square to fund such mundane-yet-necessary maintenance and preservation needs as landscaping, lawn care, arborist services, sidewalk cleaning, fountain maintenance, fence and ironwork repair, security services and holiday lighting.

Ball on the Square EventQuip Evantine Design eventquip tenting philadelphia party planners

For almost a quarter of a decade, the Ball on The Square has been the only event permitted to take over Rittenhouse Square Park with tents, flooring, staging, air-conditioning units, restroom trailers and security vehicles. Perhaps that’s why it’s such a sought-after ticket as it’s truly a unique event experience in Philadelphia.  It’s certainly a pleasure to design each and every year, as the committee has always encouraged creativity and freedom in the design concept.  An event designer’s dream project!

Entrance Tent Decor Pewter Linens Crystal Lamps White Flowers Philadelphia Party Planners

Last year’s gala was all about glamour, sizzle and sparkle! EventQuip did their usual magic by installing tents, walkways, staging and a dance floor that gave us the the framework within which to layer pewter, silver, crystal and lucite. In the entrance tent, tightly composed floral arrangements of white hydrangea, lilies, gerber daisies, roses and peonies made a statement on Pewter Taffeta linens. Guests dressed in black tie and evening gowns enjoyed cocktails on low and high cocktail tables covered in Frosted Gray Satin linens.

Gray Silk Linens Pewter Crackle Chairs Plum Cushions White Flowers Cocktail Tables

Stephen Starr Events designed another fabulous menu for the event and we can only imagine what’s in store for Thursday night! Clever food combinations paired with sexy culinary presentations really wow the guests year after year.

Fruit Test Tube Shots Party Beverages Starr Events

Seafood Salad Served in Shells Starr Events Ball on the square philadelphia galas

At first, as the guests made their way into the ballroom tent, the entire room was drenched in rich blue lighting. Evantine’s Brian Kappra collaborated with Eventions Productions on the entire lighting plan for the gala, and as the evening progressed, the lighting in the tent changed from soft pale blue, to textured lavender and deep rich magenta. Lush purple, magenta and lavender flowers were arranged in crystal and silver vases on round dinner tables dressed in rich Silver Embroidered tablecloths. Neatly folded Silver satin napkins, calligraphed square menu cards, hand-blown plum glassware and stylish clear lucite chairs completed the table settings.

Dinner Tents Philadelphia EventQuip Blue Lighting Eventions Productions

Party Tents Orchestra Stages Crystal Lamps Clear Lucite Chairs Purple Flowers

A mixture of low and high floral centerpieces were created in several traditional styles and included blooms such as hydrangea, peonies, mini calla lilies, French stocks tulips, orchids and lilac. As you can imagine, the floral arrangements were not only stunning to look at but deliciously fragrant as well. When producing a private event in a public park, we work hard to remember the little gracious elements that enforce the big picture. All the senses come into play at all times! It’s always such a pleasure to orchestrate this fabulous event with the Friends committee and we look forward to Thursday’s celebration!

Blue Lighting Party Design Crystal Lamps Clear Lucite Chairs White Dancefloor

Purple Floral Centerpieces Hydrangea Tulips Lilac Stock Orchids Mini Callas Crystal Table Numbers

Silver Embroidered Tablecloths Silver Satin Napkins Square White Menus Party Decor

purple and silver event design crystals hydrangea purple lighting

ball on the square evantine design marie labbancz

Crystal Ball Event Design Purple Flowers Silver Linens Philadelphia Party Planners

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5 comments

  1. Absolutely beautiful and exciting all at the same time…Good luck, I’m sure it will be FAB!!

  2. Simply gorgeous! From the party tents to the lighting and centerpieces, it is all just stunning to see.

  3. Thank you so much Deb, it’s a fabulous tent to work in every year and the committee gives us the freedom to really have fun with the design! Thank you for the comment and enjoy the weekend!

  4. Sindi, you’re so very kind to comment! The past 25 years of decorating the Ball on The Square has been exactly that: exciting! We never get bored and we enjoy adapting the design to the spirit and vision of the committee. Thank you again…

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